Mélange 2020

MĂŠlange

2020

MĂŠlange Writing and Art from

Morristown-Beard School 2019-2020

Front Cover Artwork: Hailey Tannen Back Cover Artwork: Samantha Yagoda Faculty Advisor: Melissa Rachel 2

“Mélange mine own, the unseen and the seen, mysterious oceans where the streams empty.”

-Walt Whitman

3

Where I’m From I am from hair care products From Eco Styling Gel and Cream of Nature I am from the unhealthy parts of Essex County (unfortunate, abandoned, some people are homeless) I am from the giant tree in the park Me and my brother would always play on the branches I am from Brownies and Baseball From Titi and Uncle Pooh I’m From the know-it-alls and never forget where you came from I’m From Allhumdullilah and Hallelujah Muslim father & Christian mother I’m from Newark, NJ From empanadas and curry chicken From the kindness in my father’s heart to adopt my big brother The cancer which killed my grandfather In my living room there are boxes of pictures & photo albums Remembering that I have plenty of family members that love & care about me.

by Zahra Aquil

by Xola Moody 4

Beauty Always Remains

Wings fluttering open— Beautiful colors unfold— Its gracefulness unspoken— Flying high and so bright Like stars in the night.

Gliding through the wind Onto my white shoe.

Colors so bright— Like fireworks glowing up the sky, On the 4th of July Starting off so small— Then growing magical wings— Ready to take off— Its beauty will always remain.

Letting it go— Flying into the sunlight— Glistening through the air— Gliding high with pride.

by Rebecca Lenner 5

by Svea Winghardt

And then we heard the song

Droplets From the distant clouds that seem miles away, a droplet is formed.

The cold, icy winds sing along with the sun as the snow turns to water.

It reflects the beautiful face of the rays, and slowly dances down to the pondering lizard below.

He looks up and smiles, even though it is a split second of time.

How wonderful is this moment: Trees swaying with the clouds, Sunflowers laughing bright, Moss sleeping into the day.

And as nature goes on, so does the droplet.

Traveled so far, so quickly, yet life was still fulfilled.

by Campbell Blake

6

The children Ran, Crowded around, Waved their money, Shouted As loud as they could Did what they do Every time Stuck their lips out to Meet their melting dessert The mess followed by Napkins And the stress of overworked moms

by Isabelle Celleri

Jack I like my name It’s not too complicated and everyone spells it right.

It is very common though, so whatever school I go to there are always at least two more.

Old people always smile when they hear my name and say, “Did you know Jack Webb is a detective from a TV show from the 60’s!”

My middle name is Michael after my dad.

His name is James after his dad.

My family has a trend of naming the boys simple names, James, Chris, Mike, Jack and Dylan.

My little cousin broke this trend with his name, Jasper.

My last name, Webb.

It’s very simple, only four letters, but people still can’t get it right.

They always forget a “b” or add an “er” My friends call me Jebs.

It comes from putting the first letter of my first name on my last name, Then taking away a “b” and adding an “s”.

Jebs It’s a common theme adding or removing letters from my name, From Webb to Jebs.

People always think my name is Jackson or John and I go by Jack.

But it’s not, it’s just Jack

by Jack Webb

by Samantha Brown 7

The air grows cold at Half Moon Bay. You bury your feet in the soft, damp sand.

A pale shade of grey, almost white.

You exhale, your eyes shifting to the horizon.

You feel unbalanced.

Warm but cold, tense and calm.

The sky becomes a bit more gray to contrast the light water.

A warm wind blows.

You step your foot into the water.

Warm and still. And completely transparent.

Like bath water‌ The sand feels different underwater, almost slimy from the utter stillness of the bay.

You prefer the ocean.

How lucky you are to know both.

You take a few more steps until you reach water up to your thighs.

You pause for a moment Then fold your legs into your chest, balancing on the balls of your feet.

You look childish.

But the air is so cold and the water so warm.

And who’s watching anyway?

You sit there in silence, surveying each grain of sand through the clear water.

There are no stray seaweed bits no bugs or crabs.

Sitting here, hugging your knees, you are safe.

Your boat is large and sturdy.

The scenery, beautiful.

Your friends nearby.

There is no hate, no anger.

Simply peace, fulfillment.

You have everything you need and there is fresh conch salad on the way.

by Samantha Brown

8

Where I’m From I am from a baseball diamonds From Gatorade and sunflower seeds I am from the grass in my backyard Shapely, long, green blades I am from the bark of a tree, rough and pointy I’m from family barbecuea and sunburns From Gatward and Gober I am from practices and tournaments From the “stop fighting you brother” and “get of the Wii” I’m from Christianity and God I’m from from England from candy From my dad escaping 9/11 To My mom designing houses To childhood framed memories up my staircase

by Addy Kelly Think

by Matthew Gatward Think.

How did...this happen?

Wait.

Hold Up. Who did…

This?

Why? .

We have To go.

Far

by Adam Broyles

by Yash Shah 9

Away

Where I’m From I am from a garden of roses From Windex to Bounty I am from the scenery of red flowers with little butterflies circling around Charming, calming, and the shining sun I am from French marigolds Soft, glowing cherry roses I’m from loud people and Sunday suppers From Alexandria and Bella Marie I’m from family vacations and traditional events From “Never lie!” And “Don’t fight with your siblings” I’m from Christmas parties and Thanksgiving gatherings I’m from a small town in Uruguay Pasta with red sauce, and mint chocolate chip ice cream From the time my grandma was cooking and burned off some of her hair The time my cousin broke both of her wrists because she thought she could fly On the 3rd floor, stacks of wedding photos, and baby albums Cherishing and keeping the things that are the most valuable to me

by Talia Picozzi

Skiing on a Winter Day A powder day.

A snowy tree.

A snowboard.

A lift.

A chair A clif.

A bear.

All for snowboarding.

An Icy day A powder day A fun day A boring day A lazy day An awesome day All for skiing

by Alex Pelinsky

by Natalie Lebovitz 10

by Marissa Spiteri

Once there was

Love

a man living on the moon...

Once there was a fairy collecting my lost teeth...

Once there was a dragon that flew high in the sky‌ These mystical sets of words lit my curiosity, they became my usual.

My grandma's soft voice, reading them aloud, will forever begin with a Once There Was‌

Love is pink like a Lotus flower It tastes sweet like a watermelon It smells like lavender calming and strong It looks like a double rainbow no longer alone It sounds like a family talking and laughing It feels like a warm hug.

by Ronnie Schreier

by Finn Fleming 11

The Secret Life of Finn

by Finn Fleming

“T-Minus 10...9...8…,” the loudspeakers boomed. Orange, red, and yellow consumed the craft. The creaking of the decayed launchpad filled the site, becoming a reminder of the incidents possible when sitting in a seat such as this. “We are heros Finn!,” cried Brig. “Can you believe it?”

“Crazy, huh? replied Finn whilst looking around. His eyes popped to each end of the craft. Sweat dripped down to the waistband of the suit. Looking to his fingers, they were moving like the leaves of a tree during a windstorm. “7...6...5…”

“Shift the override into the ready position cap!” yelled Mike.

“Analysis complete cap! shouted Oliver.

“Everything is looking good, sir.”

Together the crew held a moment of silence while locking eyes. Then, within the blink of an eye, as if done hundreds of times, looking straight ahead, Finn pulled the override up, down, twisted it twice, shoved it to the side, and let out a sigh.

“Here we go boys,” he said softly. “To the future, I lead.” “4...3...2...1...Liftoff.

“Keep it steady! We are just in the dock, Finn,” exclaimed Lulu.

Finn looked around for a moment, showing an expression of confusion. His head was throbbing with pain, as he felt an unusual amount of stress. Looking down at his hands and flipping them palm up, palm down, he took a deep breath. He looked over towards Lulu, shapes still moving through his head. An orange glow surrounded her as sustained sounds, as if trapped through layers of clouds, attempted to reach his ears.

“Are you sure you can drive okay, Finn?” You seem kind of tired,” asked Curtis.

“Uh… yeah I’m alright, just a bit groggy I suppose,” replied Finn in an unsure tone.

Finn moved the wheel of the boat in a shaky, yet almost controlled motion. He felt relaxed as he listened to the beat of the boat’s engine. The S.S. Spacecraft is what the family named it the year they purchased it.

Finn always felt some sort of attachment to the boat, as if it triggered something he never noticed. As he kept steering, the sound of rocket boosters falling off too early, causing some sort of explosion took Finn’s mind elsewhere. He felt himself becoming heavier and much more tired than he was before.

“You’re sleeping again!” remarked Lulu. “You really need to go back to therapy. We cannot have you live like this, Finn,” Lulu proclaimed in a worried voice, as if she knew what lay ahead for Finn.

“Yeah, Finn,” added Curtis. “We are worried.”

Curtis took the wheel from Finn while giving him a pat on the back. It was almost as if everyone knew something that Finn didn’t. His head began to hurt again so he made his way over to the cabin. With each step, the sound of a spacecraft became more clear.

“Look out….” a lost voice wandered through Finn’s mind. He began to stumble.

“Come back to us, Finn” another voice came in.

“We need you,” added one more. As his eyelids gave out, so did he.

…”Captain, there has been an issue with the rocket boosters, and they fell off too early,” cried Oliver.

“Cap, we won’t make it,” added Mike. Finn got up slowly and scanned the cockpit for answers.

“Don’t worry crew, I am getting us out of this,” Finn answered with confidence. It was like his attitude from the beginning changed from uncertainty to absolute confidence. “In order to get this fixed and land safely at destination 45, then I need you all to listen to me very carefully, ‘’ exclaimed Finn. “Thruster wrench.” Oliver handed Finn the wrench with two hands. “Radio silencer.” Mike swiftly got up and went to the back of the craft to find the silencer. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew sat in the cockpit waiting for Finn’s next orders.

Looking at the window, the sparkle in his eyes reflected the millions of stars that lay ahead. Each one having a destiny of its own. Finn was always interested in stars and the galaxy that remained unknown. Now that he was a part of the unknown’s discovery he knew that he could not let his younger self down. He thought of himself as a legend that will go down in history as the man who led his crew to the future.

12

“Here captain,” said Mike. “The radio silencer you asked for.” Finn took the silencer along with the wrench and walked to the very back of the spacecraft. Even though the craft was shaking abruptly, Finn walked back with ease, knowing his job would not be easy. When he reached the back of the craft, he took out the wrench and began to loosen the interior part of the thrusters allowing the heat to release into the infinite cold of space.

His eyes turned orange as he used the radio silencer to seal the hole in the craft and stop the flames. The strength overwhelmed him at first, but by planting one foot down, and looking at the flames with determination, he managed to seal the breach. With the wrench he tightened the craft until he heard a screeching sound coming from the haul.

He let out a mix of excitement and relief as he walked back to the cockpit. Spacedust gave him a neon glow shining brighter than the stars. There, he was greeted by the crew with cheer and disbelief.

“A legend at his finest,” exclaimed Brig.

“Without your cap, we would be goners,” added Mike.

“Great work, sir,” cheered Oliver. Feeling satisfied, Finn took a seat in his chair and let out one more sigh.

Finn knew he couldn’t die not being a hero, and now that he was, his life goal was complete. With this he turned the craft on auto mode, and began to close his eyes…

“Finn!”

“Wake up, please, don’t go!” A phone began to dial a number. Finn’s eyes started to reopen slowly. Red and blue lights flashed around. He then slowly got up wondering what the issue was.

“Hey guys, what wrong,” he asked. Lulu started to cry. Curtis then walked away shaking his head. “What is wrong?” Finn tried. Just then a blue glove went through his body as the words, time of death 6:04 started ringing through his ears.

“Cause of death, space dust.” At that moment a neon glow filled Finn’s world with voices telling him about the legend he is. He tried to fight it and get back to his real life. However, Finn began to get a headache and he lost the sense of awareness, giving in to the strange glow. As he became heavy and tired, he closed his eyes….

“Hey cap, welcome back to reality, how was your dream?”

by Riley Algazy 13

Baseball Billy Bob Joe came to hit at the plate His team was losing in the last inning The stadium was filled up to the gate Everyone there had a mood of winning Billy Bob Joe got ready to go long As he turned and looked at the aroused crowd.

He hit the ball and it was so very gone And the excitable crowd became wow’d Billy Bob Joe witnessed the ball vanish And the crowd was going mad and crazy The ball landed on the heads of Danish Following a day that was so hazy.

Billy Bob Joe who used to be so lame Had just hit a homerun winning the game.

by Danny Sasse

by Riya Dadheech 14

Fall approaches its end Not much time to spend Leaves lose colors Just like the others Bees would soon go Before any snow One last flower Might only stay an hour It’s not great But still appreciate Everything’s now dark Just like the bark Nothing gold can stay Unless you find a way

by Tommy Byrne

Happiness

by Natalie Lebovitz

Happiness is bright like the morning sun Happiness tastes like sweet lemonade when the day is done Happiness smells like freshly picked flowers Happiness looks like smiling while dancing in April showers Happiness sounds like laughing and cheering Happiness feels like Springtime is finally appearing

by Sophie Kotkin

15

by Colette Gentile

by Luca Tutela

by Marco Tutela 16

Dyslexic

by Alice McNamara She took me aside at the end of class to ask a question. “Did you even study?” she said as she showed me yet another paper covered in angry red ink. I turned my face toward the grumbling air conditioner. The cold air was the only thing holding back the tears.

Doesn’t she know that this doesn’t help? Doesn’t she know that I spent hours studying just so I could get back a paper covered in angry red ink? She knows I’m dyslexic, so how does she not know?

She asked me a question without knowing that question would remain in my mind for years. I guess she was trying to help, but she didn’t.

I asked her how to spell something. Just a simple question. And then he looked up. The boy with the tousled brown hair looked up and stared and suddenly unleashed his hate on me. “You REALLY can’t spell that? How can you not spell saw? It’s so easy. My sister can spell that and she is in kindergarten!” His words pummeled me like he was throwing rocks and I wished that I could shrink down so small no one could ever see me again.

What hurt worse than the insults were the kids around me who did nothing at all while I stared at the table trying not to cry because I asked someone how to spell a word and for some reason the boy with the tossled brown hair felt it was his responsibility to make sure I knew how stupid I was.

Some teachers don’t ask questions that leave a bruise you can’t see. Some teachers lift up your little broken spirit with patience and encouragement. They show you that you can do it.

Some kids are just like you. The kids who know how you feel and support you with no insults and no stares. They show you that you are not alone.

I had all these kinds of people in my academic life. I wish I could have only had the teachers and kids who came later, but I guess that's not how life works. Although I didn’t know it then, the truth is, those people who tore me down were the same people who pushed me to be better. Without them I don’t know where I would be.

17

Excitement Excitement is like red, white, blue, sliver, and gold fireworks It tastes like fruity pop rocks bursting open in your mouth It smells like cake with frosting and sprinkles piled on it It looks like a giant mountain of presents under the Christmas tree It sounds like kids laughing and having fun.

It feels like hugging my French bulldog, Daphne, like we just brought home for the first time

by Grace Tuttle

by Bennett Gross

Once there was A bright red rocket ship Once there was A shark with no teeth Once there was A man who could not see Once there was A man who was counting the stars Once there was A bowl with chopped onions which were bright purple Once there was A bird flying over the sea Once there was A man with bright green seeds Once there was The three musketeers Once there was A was a little kid who said Once there was

by Jamie Rosenbloom

Hanzalah Bhatti

18

Leaves falling

Leaves falling down sadly In the pushing of the wind until they hit the ground

by Matty Baum

by Sloane Fiverson

Jeanine is a bright and caring sun That I look up to everyday When the world is dark and foggy She brightens my path when confusion is dragging me down She’s like a ray of sunlight watching over me She cares and treats the people around her with kindness When things upset me and I hide in the dark, She will always show me the brighter side The sun provides food for all living things All planets revolve around the sun, and all planets need the sun Without the sun, everyday would be clouded in darkness Without the sun there is no light Without Jeanine my life wouldn’t be quite as bright The sun looks through a telescope as the days go by and watches all living things grow The sun is there when you are born and shares its sunlight with you and its warmth In my eyes Jeanine’s heart shines brighter than the star above Her warm spirit is with me as if it had a mind of its own She may have started out as my babysitter, but in the end she is my best friend Jeanine is a sun to me and always has been

by Ella Sumas

19

Butterfly, Not Freestyle My life is a swim meet.

My teammates are my family, Supporting me as I do for them.

The fans are my friends who Share the tough experiences with me.

My coaches teach and advise Me as if in school.

Emotions are stirred inside when my Team depends on me but I am losing.

This leaves me feeling excitement, hopelessness, and stress.

Even when surrounded by people, I am often consumed by my own feelings.

But I have to push through.

Don’t stop to breathe at the wall or Give up under pressure.

Keep doing butterfly instead of Taking the easy way out with freestyle.

Even if the opposing team is winning, Keep striving for the best.

by Clare Patchett

by Addy Kelly 20

Birds’ Song Birds chirp in the trees Far above the eye can see In the silver mist

by Alex Levy

by Ian Patchett

Level 6 I've never flipped o ver before. It’s thrilli ng and scary. But your he ad, is not the great est place to land sometimes y ou pass out.

And it re ally hurts.

I should have st ayed in level 5.

by Sam Bodack

by Addy Kelly Depression Depression is black, like a lingering black hole in your soul.

It tastes salty from the tears you shed.

It smells like a musty abandoned basement.

It looks like the covers of your bed sheets.

It sounds like your voice doubting yourself in your head.

It feels like weights on your shoulders.

by Nathan Luther 21

by Angie Ramos

22

Former Innocents

by Samantha Yagoda Sirens were heard all throughout the neighborhood, they were looking for something, but what? The police found a little girl named Luna crying on the side of the street. Her clothes were covered in red spots.

Before that, Luna dried tears as she ran off into the night. Her mom was also crying staring at something on the floor. Luna’s mother screamed out “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” She picked up the phone and pressed 3 numbers. She felt like she just lost her little girl.

For a second time a door slammed.

Before that, a gun shot was heard, Luna’s dad was stone cold and emotionless. Luna dropped the gun and looked at her mom, both of them were speechless.

Before that, there was yelling. Luna being a shy quiet girl, had never yelled at her parents before.

Before that, Luna ran upstairs and opened her dad’s safe. She grabbed a heavy metal object. Luna had never resented her father and was blinded by anger. She wasn’t thinking clearly. Downstairs her parents exchanged worried looks. No one expected what came next.

Before that, Luna’s Dad had shared some news. Luna felt tears starting to form, she didn’t know how to react.

Luna had entered the living room. She was curious what all the fuss was about. She reached the living room and noticed the door was slightly open. Luna asked “Who just left?” There was a melancholy look on her Dad’s face.

Before that, two adults were fighting. Luna had heard yelling and started to walk down the stairs.

Before that, three adults were fighting. Suddenly a door slammed.

Before that, Luna’s Mom walked in seeing something she that would scar her mind forever.

From then on, nothing would be the same.

Before that, Luna was innocent, and so was her father.

by Olivia McNamara

23

On top of a mountain, long white streaks They all start at the mountains peaks And If you look closely you will see Skiers and snowboarders avoiding the trees Chilly, cold, under zero degrees It might seem cold but you will see It’s easy to enjoy, you’ll feel free It seems difficult to do After awhile it's easy to get used to Anywhere you go It will usually snow When you’re done you can go inside Get a cup of hot chocolate and say goodbye To all the good times you had It will happen again and it won’t be bad.

by Lauren Koepff

Life is a soccer game Warming up with our team The ref blows the whistle and the game starts Yelling, passing, running, trying to get down the field I feel a tug on the back of my shirt I fall to the ground, face first on the rough turf The ref pulls a red card out of his pocket I stand up to take the free kick Everyone is silent I get a running start... 3, 2, 1 The ball flies over the wall of people, The goalie jumps into the air She grabs the ball The other team claps and cheers My team comforts me There is always a next time Life is a soccer game

by Abby Borofsky

by Grace Tuttle 24

Avocado toast Avocados sliced in half Neatly placed on toast Evenly smoothed out Red pepper flakes and some salt It is good to eat

by Brooke Tannen

by Emma Teitlebaum

25

Home Court Life is a basketball game You shoot, but you don’t always score Sometimes the hoop feels like the ocean, and other times it feels like a plastic cup You will have fans cheering for you loudly, and others booing in your face But no matter what, you will always have your supporters on the court, and sidelines Your coach tells you to run a play, although you do not always execute it correctly, you worked hard to learn it Some games you are on top of the world, and in others you feel like you have fallen to the bottom There will always be the more talented player, but you determine if they work harder than you And when you steal the ball, you get to decide what you are going to do with it Drive for the basket if you have a gap, shoot and take the risk of getting fouled, or pass, if you feel that your teammate is the one to make the decision Some games you will make the game winning play, and other games you may feel like the loss rests on your shoulders But you can’t focus on the last play, because there is always the next, and if you dwell on the past in life, you will never move forward in it Home court may feel like the safest, but you have to take risks, because you may have your best game on the road “Swish” your team celebrates the victory, and all of your effort to become a true team payed off Life is a basketball game, and the court is home

by Taylor O’Neill

by Shaylan Patel 26

Birds Chirping happily At the window They sing all day With nothing much to say Makes me smile every single day On the tree while it sways Just one tune to say Good morning guys Every day Birds

by Kelsey Scully

by Angie Ramos

Write a poem she states Its assigned for the next day So I think and I write but I have nothing to say It must rhyme in a certain manner Or read in a special way But for some reason each time I try It falls and crumbles like a chocolate soufflé There are guidelines and templates But my mind just throws them all away And without knowing I’m typing Till night turns to day And I write and I read And that process doesn’t end And the next thing I know To delete is my new friend Although it's not the best, Not my top work we both can see I’m used to throwing words at a page, And just letting them be

by Jonah Tinkelman

by Danica Rosenbloom 27

Happiness Happiness is green like a meadow in the summer.

It tastes like a pizza after a long week.

It smells like candy.

It looks like fresh green grass, or pink cherry blossoms.

It sounds like children laughing.

It feels like summer warmth.

By Nimal Amarasiri

by Finn Fleming

28

I serve, hit, run, slide I serve again, smack, and yell A new champion has been born

by Caleb Lokken Bradford

by Danny Sasse

I banged the trash can Loud enough, For him to understand, And know the pitch I still wish I had taken that pitch

by Matthew Gatward

by Tommy Byrne

29

by Robert Magnotta

30

Lost Time

by Hayley Sgro

It’s been hours. The exhausted civilians are waiting for their train to come. None of them have seen the lights of the “city that never sleeps” because of the countless hours they have been traveling, just trying to make it home. Most of them do not even remember what daylight even looks like from being crammed in such a damp and dark place. The Subway was almost dead, only having the people waiting for the train to the Upper East Side occupying the space. Every person is stuck in their own world, mindlessly spacing out to try and pass the lost time of waiting for the train.

Twenty minutes later, all of the people waiting for the train heard a faint honk of a horn. Everybody’s ears instantly perked up like a fox. In less than a couple of seconds, the train slowly screeches into the station with a halt that must of jolted the riders inside. Every person waiting for the train to the Upper East Side felt the joy of being able to go home to their families and pets. One woman was so relieved she almost cried from hearing the train honk its horn from a mile away. Immediately after the train was pulled into the station, the people waiting for the train flooded around it. Still being respectful, they made a lane for people coming off the train, but when the doors opened, nobody came out. Which was unusual, being that there were always people on every train. All of the civilians were confused as to why nobody was coming off of the train. After hesitation from everybody waiting for the train, a woman went in to investigate why nobody was coming off. When she looked in the train, it was empty. And when she checked for a conductor, there was not one either.

by Hanzalah Bhatti

31

I Am I am from Barbie dolls From kid's Crest toothpaste, Bobby pins and hair ties I am from the play house outside The brown wood, yellow monkey bars, I can hear the chimes of the wind chimes I am from the catnip flowers outside The ones that always attracted the bees I am from hosting Christmas and freckles From Jacquie and Cleary’s I am from the talk-a-lots and hockey lovers From the Gabby girls and old souls I’m from the only goes to church on Christmas, And sometimes on Easter I’m from the hospital, and Grandpa’s old house in Italy Dad’s meatballs, mom’s Rice Krispie treats From the dressing up and having fashion shows The dorm in Raymond Hall where you can find my sister The ribbon hanging in my room that Olivia won and the glass angels grandma gave to us as babies

by Julia Miller

by Gabby Urbano

As the sun is going down All the children come home from town As the sky goes from bright to dark All the children say goodbye to the park As it’s getting closer for bedtime The bells on your phone start to chime When it’s time to fall asleep You don’t want to brush your teeth Now all you do is yawn When you wake up it will be dawn Tomorrow in the morning you will have school You have to go, don’t be a fool

by Avesh Verma

32

The Safe, Strong, Settling Sea My life is the open ocean Some days can be the calm waters while Other days can be the rough waves, wild and unpredictable I am surrounded by a variety of fish They are my friends, we stick together swimming through the dark waters Playing in the kelp forest, exploring the unknown and protecting each other The ocean’s strength is my family, the rumbling waves, and currents help navigate me in a better course, and the strong winds are the advice my family gives me to keep on moving The horizon is my future Not knowing what it will bring, I can only hope for the best The coral reefs are my home to feel safe and secure, and I live close to my friends The strong sharp stings of jellyfish Are the bad days I encounter The plastic and trash that fill and pollute my environment are the dangers the world and I face The rising and setting of the sun is my alarm clock My mom is the moon who guides me through dark times The seaweed is my playground Where I find my happiness the most.

by Rye Fleming

I am from cold ice rinks and arenas From CCM sticks and warrior gloves.

I am from a house with a big yard I am from tall trees to tiny bushes From cook-in-front-of-you Chinese food on birthdays From Erin Cross and David Cross I’m from Late night practices and fast food dinners Junk food and soda nights with the team To tasty steaks with the family.

This Is where I am From.

by Peter Cross

by Bella Webb

33

Where I’m From I am from my backpack From Fancy Feast and Wegmans I am from my bed in the sky Cat fur, dog fur, and loving pets I am from lambs ears Silky fuzzy leaves.

I’m from going to winter clove and being crazy From cousin Eli and Uncle Dan I’m from the dinners on Sunday and crazy schedules I’m from stop drop and roll and look both ways before you cross the street I’m from my brother and cousins I’m from the Mayflower and the Livingston hospital.

Ice cream and carrots From the time my uncle and aunt walked right by a snake.

The time my brother jumped into a cold pool From upstate New York.

From the endless love from a family

by Jonah Tinkelman

by Isabelle Celleri

The Chess Board My life is a chessboard Never knowing the next move Filled with skill, strategy, and creativity The game of give and take and endless possibilities Overwhelmed by what is the next obstacle Never knowing where the next piece is going to take you Pieces dashing all over the board making a mess But you have to pick them up again And start a new game And have fun

By Emma Pottratz

by Julia Miller 34

Two Years in Reverse Two years wasted Two years gone But people always tell me otherwise It was special It was fun I think different The biggest mistake of my life Two messy years It was all a mistake They say Life is fun.

Life is scary.

Life is an adventure.

I think they lied I don't know who to believe Do I trust myself ?

Do I trust them?

I guess the answer will stay unknown

by Danica Rosenbloom

by Svea Winghardt

I am so sorry For not responding to your email I just didn’t see it.

by Zach Brown

by Luca Tutela

35

by Julia Miller

Night Under the Stars

Blossoms

Daylight is leaving Clouds drift leaving slight shadows For all eyes to see

Cherry blossoms bloom The wind is soothing and sweet Orange koi fish leap

by Abby Borofsky

By Rhodes Musallam

Thunderstorm

A Snake

Loud violent thunder Slowing down; going faster Angering the wind

The piercing bite pains It kills, burns, destroys quickly Snakes are deadly ends

by Juliana Falzon

by Alex Turben

36

Hair

by Xola Moody

She put her hand in my Afro and said, “ Oh my goodness, it's so fluffy. I wish my hair was like yours”. The girl with the light skin and straight hair will never know what it is like to have my “fluffy” hair.

She will never know not being able to wear her natural hair because it is “unprofessional” or informal. You don’t want my Afro, you just like my Afro.

I have come a long way throughout my natural hair journey. I have gone from straight, to natural, to relaxer, to natural again. In the black community your hair is one of the biggest parts of how you represent yourself. Being labeled “nappy headed” is equivalent to being called ugly. My “naps” don’t fit the western beauty standard that my society has forced me to abide by. To be accepted as a beautiful black girl is to slick up your hair until it burns, it is to use a large helping of gel to maintain your “acceptable” hairstyles. What if I don’t want to spend hours each night just to look presentable to the people around?

As a child I remember going to the hair salon with my mother and begging to get “my hair straightened too”. I so desperately wanted to look like all the little girls I saw on the TV. I wanted to be pale skinned and have straight hair because that’s what was beautiful in my mind. I wanted to look like my beautiful white barbies. Now that I think back on these situations, I am so grateful that my mother denied my hollow requests.

This helped me come to terms with the soul reason for me asking to get my hair straightened in the first place. As a seven year old I shouldn’t look in the mirror at my dark skin and coarse hair and think that I am ugly. I’ve realized how I have subconsciously molded myself into a girl that is accepted by society.

I have come to accept my beautiful dark brown skin and curly thick hair. Though I still question my beauty sometimes, I always come to my senses.

by Jamie Rosenbloom 37

The dog layed there Dreaming about, who knows.

Does she even know?

She was maybe dreaming about the beach.

Running, playing, being happy, on the beach The sand on her paws The breeze in her face Enjoying the sun, All the sudden, She woke up, And there was no beach!

by Liam Atkins

Scented Sweet

Flowers scented sweet Passing deer remain discreet On the grassy hill

Joey Laviola

by Colette Gentile

38

Where I’m From- Virginia I’m from the Dominion State-One of the 13 original colonies Rich in cultural heritage and history and Thousands of small country homes.

Over 47,000 farms to grow crops on Fun festivals to attend Birthplace of 8 U.S. presidents With soaring mountains and bubbling brooks with lakes full of beautiful fish Home of UVA--my dad’s alma mater-Home of the world’s largest office building But it looks like the countryside.

I can see dogwood trees growing in my yard Smells like country ham, apples, peanuts, and Brunswick stew Smells like the first Thanksgiving dinner.

Sounds like waves crashing on the beach Sounds like a rooster waking you up early in the morning Sounds like silence at the end of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

by Gia Becchi

by Nico Fonseca 39

by Jack Bailey, Henry D’Andrea, and Shaylan Patel

40

Archery “Hold back longer” Bernie tells me.

I try to, But I end up shooting a 3 “Keep your arm straight” Said Bernie again.

I did so, And it got me a 10 I sat on the bench For the next round.

But after would be my turn And all would be astounded.

I took his advice And shot two bullseyes and four nines “Bernie can you count this? Please be precise!”

Everyone stopped to hear my score Bernie shouted, “56!”

And went to write it on the board

Juice World album, “Goodbye and Good Riddance,” His powerful 808s and guitar get to you “Candles” is a heartbreaking three minutes The skits speak of things you do with the crew “I’ll Be Fine” gives you hope of new life No features means you listen to his spew His sharp guitar riffs cut like a hot knife Songs like “Hurt Me,” speak of a betrayal Songs like, “Lean Wit Me,” talk of addiction “End of the Road,” is about time in jail “Lucid Dreams,” is how love is a fiction “Goodbye and Good Riddance,” is off a leash May Juice World’s soul finally Rest In Peace

by Grayson Strauss

“Ellie P - new record” I gave him a high five “I’m going to beat it” said Josh “Just watch me thrive” He didn’t.

by Ellie Pine

by Alice McNamara

41

You Are Bait Now…

by Emily Reitman She was 5,000 feet deep. The swimmer was now one with the sharks. The scary, sharp toothed fish circled around her for bait. As Laura slowly started to regain back her consciousness, her limp body was floating inch by inch to the gleaming blue surface. It was already dusk and the sun had just gone down to sleep after a long, sunny day at the beach in Malibu.

BOOM. This was it, Laura thought. I am going to die. She floats in the water, her body pale and lifeless.

Moments earlier a huge, dark scary wave crashed over them. Laura was paddling for her life as her father screamed out in agony, “LAURA!!” Yet she was back on her feet, riding the wave as if nothing had happened.

Moments earlier she was surfing with her father, who was teaching her for the very first time. They picked up wave after waves then suddenly they saw a group of fins in the distance...

Moments before that, Laura’s father got an alert on his phone that there was a shark advisory and that people should come inshore. However, they ignored it because what are the chances that they would get eaten by a shark…

Moments before that she was running to the ocean to just have fun on vacation.

Moments earlier she and her father went to the surf shop to rent two surfboards for Laura and her father.

Moments before that Laura was unpacking her suitcase in her rented beach house with her family.

Moments before that, she was on a plane from the cold Seattle rain to paradise, and fun in the sun, or though she thought…

by Jonah Tinkelman

42

Coronavirus They say we’ll get through this hand and hand, but physically we can’t because it’s banned We’ve made some changes to lessen the spread like keeping people indoors unless they need a loaf of bread They wanted us to feel as normal as possible, wanted us to continue our daily routines, but that was kind of hard since you would go on the news see that even teens didn’t get the chance to grasp their dreams Students continued to get their education through virtual communication But some of the senior students were very prudent about walking across the stage but they may have to miss out on a very memorable moment at their age Nonessential stores aren’t doing too well without getting the needed business they need to excel Now corona, oh corona you’ve made things postpone, and you’ve made some people feel as cold as stone, so can you please…. be gone?

by Raidah Karriem

by Sam Bodack 43

Recipe for Life My life is a recipe that I follow, but it always changes.

When I think I am on the right track and ingredients start mixing together, The recipe starts to jumble when a new ingredient is added or taken away.

When a new ingredient is added, it means I am about to face another step in life, like going into middle school or high school.

When an ingredient is taken away, it means I could lose something or someone I care about like my friends.

As I go through the recipe there is always a transition that gives me time to stir all my ingredients that I have so far.

Sometimes the transition is not always easy.

You could make a mistake resulting in an egg shell going into the batter and there is no way to get that mistake out, you can only learn from it.

When this happens, you work around it, and in each transition, you put the batter into the oven letting it bake for a little bit until a new ingredient shows up or one is taken away.

As you get older more ingredients change, you see that each mistake you made gets smaller and each new ingredient gets easier to add.

Once the cake is ready to be taken out, It may look different but it is the same cake it always was.

As you get older and go from batter to cake, you add and take away ingredients that change your taste My life is a recipe transforming me from batter to cake, Different ingredients can change who you are.

by Ronnie Schreier

Where I’m From I am from “The Comfy” From Colgate watermelon toothpaste and GX leotards I am from the old playground in my old backyard yellow slide, green rock wall, smell of grass I am from the sunflower garden in my backyard from years ago I’m from family awards on New Years and glasses From Manfred and Susan I’m from being late and forgetful to,"take care of your siblings!" "get along with everyone!"

I’m from late nights of Monopoly on Yom Kippur, and two hour services on holiday morning, I’m from Kraft easy mac to one minute Ramen From the yearly family trips on winter break with my grandparents, The family wide search when my grandfather got lost in the hotel From My Grandmother’s old cabinet with-old photos and never letting go of the memories

by Zach Braun

by Annabel Simon 44

All Good Things Must Come to an End The beach Cool breeze Ocean mist whips onto your face with the wind Hot sun gazing down on your back Thirsty for an ice cold drink Salty taste in your mouth Towels covered in sand Endless laughs

by Gabby Commesso

The sun rises, a sudden burst of light An ombrÊ of pink absorbing the black sky as if the two colors are in a fight A sudden awakening of squirrels scurrying around the forest The time of day when the sky’s at peace A bright light blue fills the sky Birds soaring above, diving down to the river The sun resting comfortably in the middle of the sky The sun sets, fading away into the darkness The night becomes still With few creatures that remain awake in the dark forest Lights dim, people rest, sounds fade away

Ive never tried lobster Never even Smelled it Crunchier than I expected Like holding a rock But much lighter Except I Knew that Lobster was More, more Way more More edible

All good things must come to an end.

by Nico Fonseca

By Brooke Tannen

45

The Secret Life of Matthew Mortazavi

by Matthew Mortazavi

It was a normal day for Matthew, waking up at 5:20 am, and seeing the sun rise. He usually leaves the house at 6, wearing the same suit and tie everyday. When he leaves the house at 6, he has a 45 minute car ride all by himself on the way to a ferry to get to New York. When he got to the ferry, it was the same old routine, punching his ticket in after waiting in a long line, and then getting in the line to board the 6:55 ferry. Matthew usually has the same routine every time he boards the ferry, walking to the stairs and climbing to the top of the boat, and he prefers to sit in the front not caring which side. He sits down, glimpses at the sky and checks the time on his watch. He looks at his phone to see if there’s any news, and then he hears the boat honk which means there leaving, so he puts his phone away. The boat starts moving and Matthew starts to pick his head up, looking in the direction of the bridge.

Navy team 450 has eyes on the victim. Lieutenant 23, is saying there was a gas leak which led to an explosion of bridge and tunnel. The only person who can save these people that are trapped in their cars in the water is Captain Matthew. Captain Matthew jumps in the water breaking one car door at a time and taking out the victims on his shoulder to shore, on his shoulder. Once he gets everyone out safely, reporters are all over him asking questions and calling him a hero.

Hello sir, hello sir, the first mate said to Matthew. The boat ride is over sir you need to get off.

Matthew shakes his head and walks off the boat with his backpack. He gets into a cab and before he knew it he arrived at his office building, the google building. When he gets inside he clicks his floor which is floor #17. He gets to his office, opens up his backpack and pulls out his computer. The only reason he likes his office so much is because it has a window view of Times Square. Matthew looks down at Times Square…

This is Matthew Mortazavi, leader of the first responder team here in New York City he says to the person who's calling him. The person tells him a taxi hit a car and spun out into Times Square hitting hundreds of people. Matthew, runs down 17 flights of stairs and out to Times Square. He went up to everyone he saw that was injured and would try to save them. He was working so fast, saving everyone so quickly that it put the whole world to shock. There was one man that was around 90 who was lying on the ground and looked dead, but somehow, Matthew was able to bring him back to life in the matter of seconds. He saw so many people taking videos and pictures of him, more than he could imagine.

Matthew are you in there? One of Matthews’ co-workers was knocking. Matthew shakes his head and says yes. His co-worker said that he sent him the finished report and to edit and revise it. Matthew says he will get it over to him as soon as possible.

Once his co-worker leaves, Matthew thinks to himself that he’s been dreaming more today than normal and decides that he should go home and work from home today. He usually dreams like this like once a week, but it has been getting worse recently.

46

The Right Path Life is a maze You start off confident Feeling like you're going the right way Feeling like you are on the top of the world Then you come across a dead end A challenge An obstacle A mistake As if the giant corn stalks seem to been hiding you from the right direction But you turn around hoping for the best Once again you feel confident Then you’re back at the start A fresh beginning A new introduction to your challenge Another chance It starts getting confusing With all the twists and turns After a short breath The path starts speaking to you You go with your gut A ending seems to be near A rush of accomplishment travels through your body Yet there is another maze Life is a never ending maze

by Sam Bodack

by Jamie Rosenbloom

by Kelsey Scully 47

One perfect day Jumping from iceberg to iceberg Jรถkulsรกrlรณn, Iceland One beautiful sight One perfect day Swimming in the ice cold water Looking up into a sky full of clouds One beautiful sight One perfect day Snow coating the mountaintops Ice spreading along the horizon One beautiful sight

by Emma Teitelbaum

Mother Nature Look outside, What do you see?

Look at the sky Take a breath, Feel the breeze, What do you see?

Look at the trees, Green leaves blossoming in the sun, What do you see?

Look at the lake, Ducks looking after their ducklings, What do you see?

Look at the flowers, Bees are attracted to the yellow ones, What do you see?

I see greatness, I see opportunity, Look up.

What do you see?

by Alex Turben

by Emily Reitman 48

Skiing through Life Life is a Ski Slope A day on the slopes begins with riding up a chairlift to the peak I feel excited to see what will happen and nervous about what lies ahead When venturing on a slope I feel the fresh, cold wind blowing in my face I decide what run to take, and what level I’ll try My ski’s tell me not to push myself to do black diamonds, But I know I can handle them Skiing isn’t always easy It has its ups and downs Bumpy moguls throw you off track Skiers flying past makes my heart skips a beat Can I ever become that good?

I might know which run I want to take, But the path I follow might take me somewhere different and more exciting If I catch an edge and come crashing down, I might want to give up But those mistakes make me a stronger skier Skiing is like a rollercoaster It’s exhilarating and scary at the same time I might fall down, but I will get right up again

Winter It is one of the most peaceful seasons.

The snow falls gently on the grass that used to be green.

But now it cannot be seen.

When you look out your window.

You see a white glistening blanket covering everything.

But what does winter really bring?

Winter gathers my family when no one can go outside.

Winter gives me time to spend with my dad.

Winter really isn't all that bad!

by Jackie Velikiy

by Ella Sumas

by Kevin Tone

49

Losing Everything Jack Cueto

Bright sunny days, freedom, pride, wealth, and a baby coming on the way. Everything was perfect.

I was excited about my future. This is what life was like before we were sent off like dogs. I’ve known Ivan for a long time, even since high school. Then we went to the same college together and eventually got married. We eventually got jobs and set up a life for ourselves. We both worked as lawyers and got paid a lot of money. Eventually life got boring, so we decided to have a baby. But right before my son was born, Ivan was drafted into the army in 1942. My 6 month old kid and I were sent off to a camp in Colorado all alone, it was called Granada. We were dragged out of our homes and forced to take a bus to north Colorado.

When Ted and I got there it looked like it was built in a few days but had been used for 600 years. Our cabin was crappy, run down, cheap and dirty. I could tell this was going to be a long few years.

We settled our stuff in, we were only allowed to carry what we can hold. So it wasn’t that much stuff. While I was unpacking, I let Ted play by a river nearby. I was getting very frustrated, Ivan is away, I have a baby to worry about, but most of all what am I going to come back to once this is all over. I’ll be homeless. I decided to take some weight off my chest and go join my son in the river. After that, we were ordered to go dinner. As we got our food I could tell they had no idea what they were doing. I had hot cakes with soy sauce. It was disgusting. Why do they think that, it’s kind of amusing to me.

As the weeks went by problems occurred several cracks started to appear in the walls. They were about 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall. It was a problem but can easily be fixed. But I started to wonder where Ted will go to school, I was getting worried about where he will get his education from because without it he is better off living on the streets. Also, there is no where to practice religion or do anything. Weeks passed and I was able to get a job weaving army clothes, I only got paid around 10 dollars a year but it was still something. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months in the same old same old. Until Ted started acting weird, he was different, not as active as he used to be and he seemed weak. He started coughing and wheezing and he was always weak. He complained of pains in his bones or legs. I Decided just to let him be for a while he probably just got a cold.The next day I woke up and I heard Ted screaming he was in pain. I checked his temperature. It was 106 degrees and I Was terrified. I immediately took him to the hospital as it turns out he had leukemia.

I felt as if I was stabbed the second I was told my son has leukemia. I felt like I was in a movie and that this was not real. I never thought this would ever happen to me, I’ve only heard stories of this. I kept thinking to myself that this can’t be happening but it was very real. Now I regret not going to the doctor.

The doctor told me that it was too late for him and there is nothing that they could do. He gave us some pain killers and let us out. The next few weeks were hard for not just Ted also me. I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. I was depressed. I stopped going to work and eventually got fired. I was just so sad. From then on, I just layed in bed with Ted only getting up to get food. I just watched him waste away day by day.

I woke up one morning still depressed, but I had some sort of motivation in me, as if there was still hope. I got up and looked outside. It was snowing and there was at least 6 inches of snow. Since I was feeling good today, I asked one of the guards cleaning the snow, “you guys need any help?”. They said they did, so they gave me a heavy jacket and a shovel. I did this for about a few hours until some guard asked me if I wanted to eat lunch with them, this was probably the first time I was happy in weeks, so I proudly said yes. The food was delicious. There were burgers, salads, and more stuff that I didn’t know the name of. I, of course, brought some home for Ted, and this was the first time he was happy in months as well.

50

I went back outside to shovel some more. I did this for about five more hours and the guards were very pleased with my work. One guard came up to me and told me, “You did good work today young lady” and then suddenly gave me 1 dollar. I was petrified, why would this random guy just give me 1 dollar. I said thank you so much and headed home. Over the next few weeks, I did dirty work like shoveling snow, and building churches and a school. I’m glad that the government is giving us a school. One day I woke up and realized Ted was up before me, he seemed himself again, happy, energetic, thankful, and full of life. I asked him how he felt, he replied with great. I felt very happy for him so I took him to the doctor to check him out. As we were walking there, he was acting very energetic. When we got there the doctor told us the cancer has weakened and now is the time to get treatment. I said that we will take the treatment. I think that day was the best day of my life. Months went by and there were ups and downs. After about a year the doctor finally told me that Ted was cancer free and could go to the school that just opened. The rest of our stay was great. Ted got the education he needed and I made a lot of money. Even enough to buy an apartment for after we leave. I was very happy and I felt nothing bad could happen anymore.

Epilogue Ivan came home October 21 1945 and started working in a factory. The family found an apartment in New York City where they stayed for about 7 years until they were able to find a real house. Everything was great after that.

by Addy Kelly

by Xavier Arrocha

51

Where I’m From I am from sledding in my backyard From drinking hot chocolate From staying up all night at Christmas from playing Xbox really early in the morning with my brothers I am from playing with toys all day From watching football all Sunday playing a hockey game on the weekends I am from the cold ice rink I am from the chilly football field playing basketball in my driveway with my neighbors I am from the suburbs of New Jersey

by Brendan Tartaglione

by Jack Cueto

The Big Bang When time and space collided The result was a bang That sparked infinite growth

by Charlie Holdsworth

by Jack Bailey 52

Where I’m From I am from all over from town to town from state to state I am from block parties And fireworks on the fourth of July I am from deep dish pizza to barbecues I am from biking with my friends and making s’mores I am from jumping in the lake And swimming all day long I am from walks on the beach I am from making rainbow loom from playing with American girl dolls

by Alex Genua

I am from trips to Boco grand and collecting shark teeth I am from cutting down Christmas trees from getting snowed into my house I am from sledding down big hills and making snow tunnels

Quarantine Questions no one has the answer to Unbelievable how much the wolrd has changed in such a short period of time Asking for everyone to social distance Reading news updates every morning Awaiting a cure New Normal Taking action to help stop the spread of this contagious disease Need of ventilators It’s alright to be scared Even though times are hard now, we will get through this

I am from Indian Princesses I am from selling Girl Scout cookies I am from walks with my dog I am from the smell of cooking hot dogs I am from trick-or-treating all night long from scary haunted houses and Snoopy Halloween costumes I am from swim team and giant stick popsicles I am from green apple lollipops

by Hailey Tannen

I am from love I am from kindness I am from respect And I am from home

by Ryland McDonald 53

Dreamland Its a virus called Covid-19 It threatens humanity, and it threatens you and me We think because we are young we can trick the system But if you’re not careful you’re soon to be a victim.

But by the time summer comes around it’ll be gone.

Wrong.

Nurses, and doctors at work They’re risking their lives and they need our support They have families, maybe children, maybe a spouse What you can do to help? Just stay inside your house They are children to others, maybe a sibling too.

Just listen to the rules and you won't catch this “flu” They risk their lives to save ours.

That’s because they aren’t stupid cowards Yet we still act like fools We don’t follow the rules.

If you noticed, Not every child is not at risk We can also have underlying sickness and I think you get the gist.

Our young genes don’t mean we’re better off.

We can also develop the nasty corona cough Hope that wraps it up and you can maybe understand Now I'm actually very tired so im going to dreamland

by Annonymous

by Ronnie Schreier 54

My Summer at the beach Today I see the sun glistening on the beach.

Seeing the waves crash into each other The birds flying down from the sky taking food out of reach.

Having the wind blow harder and harder.

The moon peeks out at night Shining on the clear blue water.

Fishermen catching fish on their site.

The people riding the waves in the summer.

The current of the ocean is flowing smoothly.

But the trash on the sand spreading toxins.

You can hear the sound of the water singing so softly And the lifeguard at his post with a grin.

The summer is not over yet And when you leave the beach you will never forget

by Spencer Anderson

by Luca Tutela

Life is a softball game Sometimes you hit a grand slam and other times you strike out When you step in the box, you are immediately terrified But you look to the third base line where your coach gives you a comforting nod This nod shows they believe in you and they’re here to guide you Then your journey begins, the pitcher throws a perfect fastball right down the middle CRACK! The ball zooms through the air as you start to round first When you get to second, your coach is waving their hands to come to them You start to sound third and go home when you see the catcher with their arms out At full speed and right when the catcher is catching the ball, you start to slide You close your eyes nervously, the umpire screams, “SAFE”!!

The best feeling is running back to your team, to your family, where you’re safe Life is a softball game

by Marilee Vartanian

55

I am in my home in the woods The gas station on the way into the woods was open Will they continue to have gas?

I do not know what is to come I don’t know where it all started The supermarket is packed with scared people They are trying to stock up on everything they need Apples, Oranges, Cheerios I do not know what is to come I don’t know where it all started Most businesses are dark, damp and closed Restaurants are shuttered “Takeout only” reads the signs Schools are lonely Busses are empty

by Alex Genua

I do not know what is to come I don’t know where it all started The woods beckon to hikers The lake calls to canoes The streets look vast and wide People are open to new ideas Zoom!

Hearts are full with family time I do not know what is to come I don’t know where it all started

by Jaya Pally

by Zach Braun Confidence Confidence is like the hot, bright sun shining on the beach Confidence tastes like a chocolate bar I eat before I run a 5K Confidence smells like salty sweat dripping from my body after a grueling race Confidence looks like the medal I received after finishing fastest in my school Confidence sounds like screaming and cheering spectators that line up beside the road Confidence feels like a deep breath after a great accomplishment

by Molly Sommer

56

by Leon Sarkissian

Boredom

Thyme’s Limerick There once was a man named Thyme he did not know how to rhyme he tried all day and he tried all night But he just couldn’t figure it out.

Boredom is a grey like a blank wall It tastes like a plain, dry cracker It smells like nothing It looks like a grey fog spreading across the floor.

It sounds like a sprinkler watering the barren grass It feels like you’re alone in an empty room

by Bella Webb

by Adkin Kasmin

57

Red Blue, Red Blue

by Jerry Meranus

I hear the door creep open. There are loud footsteps, almost as if they are breaking the floor.

What is happening right now? I cannot catch a glimpse, but I can imagine a tall, heavy man standing inside of my house in the middle of the night. The gun’s in the bathroom, right there. I think. Trying not to make a single sound, I go into the bathroom and close the door.

What if he hears me? I quietly dial 911 and in a panicked voice I whisper, “7–22 Maple Way...help… there is someone here….” The steps are getting louder, heavier, and creepier until the door to my bedroom creaks open.

I imagined him standing over my peacefully sleeping wife, breathing heavily while I am in the bathroom, silent. If you were with me, you would be freaking out. My heart is racing at the speed of light. I grab the emergency gun from underneath the tile, and see it is already reloaded. I am ready to attack.

The local police make it to the house. I can see the flashing red and blue lights through the window. It will all be fine. They silently creep into my house ready to attack the man who is seconds away from killing my wife.

I creak open the door trying to see what is going on, and I see the man walk by the door. How did he not notice me? I swing open the door, sprint out of the bathroom, and fire the gun into the ceiling. My wife quickly sits up, wondering what just happened.

“Bill, what are you doing up? It’s 3 in the morning! And why did you shoot the gun!” she says.

“I just saved your life! There was a man, a murderer, about to kill you so I called the cops, got out the emergency gun, and saved you just in time!” I exclaim.

It all did not line up to my wife, the look on her face made me seem crazy. But was that all there?

The cops then rush into the room, but when they see nobody was there, they sigh. “Where’s the murderer?” One asked.

“He was right here! I swear!” I said. But was he?

58

by Zach Brown

by Keira Redmond

Happiness Happiness is yellow, Like a sun drenched field of daffodils, And it tastes like your favorite sweet, addictive candyThe lemon flavored Starburst.

Happiness smells like freshly baked warm chocolate-chip cookies, And it looks like wide smiles from the ones you love After being apart for so long.

It sounds like joyful children laughing As they splash in a pool on their last day of school.

Sometimes, happiness can make you feel tingly inside, But mostly, it makes you feel just wonderful all over!

by Daniel Raimer

59

Sadness Sadness is blue like a beautiful salty sea It tastes like a black flavorless pea It smells like nothing, nothing at all It looks like a dark lonely hall It sounds likes the Blues playing in your ears It feels like drowning in warm wet tears

by Gavin White

Where I’m From I am from spoons From barbies and black and white cookies I am from the top of a hill Playing, running, and spraying snow I am from the powder on the mountain I am from eating a ton of bagels and lox and laughing till we cry from seltzer and tons of gluten-free food I’m from the Michigan stadium and Citi field From baking tons of cookies and swimming in the big waves I’m from playing on the hot field, being at camp for 7 weeks and having the best time I’m from the hustle of New York City Sushi and Sunday night dinners From the crowds cheering when the touchdown is scored The smartest and cutest Tallest and smallest The top of a steep hill

by Maddie Jaffe

by Angie Ramos

Fiore Bright colorful flowers Die in winter bloom in spring Swaying in the wind

by Sarabella Ponsiglione

by Ava D’Agostino 60

A Review of “The Office”

by Kevin Chen

The Office is one of the greatest sitcoms of the decade. The mockumentary released in 2005, the show is centered around the life of employees from a mid-size paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Scranton Branch manager Michael Scott is not your average manager. Instead of traditional management ways like making important decisions or focusing on current goals, he believes in making the branch the “cool, fun branch” like “animal house.”

He makes life working there more entertaining. He constantly makes jokes, sometimes even ones that seem inappropriate to say in the workplace. Most of his ideas are ones that will never work, yet his branch is the most profitable in the company.

“The Office” is what it is because of the characters. Branch manager Michael Scott is the humorous and more laid-back type of character. Michael tends to drift away from his work and focus on other matters that almost never have to do with job. From writing song parodies and management books, to organizing a basketball game during work, he may seem like he is trying to distract everyone, but he genuinely cares about each and every employee in the branch; except for Toby of course.

Jim is the 6’ 2” salesman that doesn’t actually care about his job too much. He describes it as “speaking to clients on the phone about... uh, quantities and type of copier paper. You know, whether we can supply it to them. Whether they can pay for it. And... I'm boring myself just talking about this.” His relatable jokes and fun personality are what makes him one of the most likeable characters. He is also notorious for playing pranks on his co-worker, Dwight.

Beet farmer and salesman Dwight Schrute is Micheal’s right-hand man. He is infamous for his lack of social skills and common sense. In the last episode he gets married to Angela despite his strange habits like starting conversations talking about how he can skin a mule deer or abandoning people at random places. He takes his job quite seriously, almost too seriously sometimes. Even his family is quite strange, with weird traditions like having the youngest raise all the other children or being shunned by his family until he was 4.

Pam is the receptionist who has been engaged for 2 years. Throughout the series, she develops a unique relationship with Jim and even ends up marrying him in season 6. She is usually the audience to most of Jim’s jokes and pranks on Dwight. The rest of the sales team includes Stanley, who loves pretzel day, Phyllis, who is more laid back and quiet, and of course Andy, the “nard dog”. The accountants are Angela, who loves cats, Oscar, who is more efficient and rational, and Kevin, who applied for a warehouse job.

The great thing about “The Office” is that every episode is about something new. You never get bored, even when rewatching episodes. As receptionist Pam Beasley says, “It's like a long book that you never want to end, and you're fine with that because you just never want to leave it." There are amusing parts in the show that are bound to make you laugh, like Micheal’s jokes and heavy-hearted parts that will make you cry, like when Jim comforts a sobbing Dwight.

It takes a paper company office, what people would expect to be boring, and shows how even such an ordinary place can be exciting. This is something you can watch when you are feeling gloomy that will most definitely cheer you up. I would definitely recommend this to others, especially people that are interested in comedy.

by Vikrant Hajarnavis

61

My Identity I am from Shin guards From Hair products, and Nike I am from the couch in the family room, Big White My relaxing place, I am from the apple tree small and colorful, I’m from game nights and bad jokes From Simran and Sarabjit I’m from movies to traveling around the world From “As long as you’re under my roof you live by my rules” and “I am not asking, I am telling” I’m from Short Hills I am from Pasta, and Chicken Curry From rolling down the staircase To a burnt hand on the stove, I am from the family room wall Holding all my memories from the past.

by Vikrant Hajarnavis

by Shaylan Patel Tick tock I tried To stop it But it Would not So it went Tick tock tick tock It did that all night It wouldn’t stop I tried to stop it Tick tock Tick tock I tried i cried But it wouldn’t stop It couldn’t stop Tick tock

by Brooks Limbert

by Addy Kelly 62

by Charlie Holdsworth

63

Symbolism Sunset Purple royalty, nobility, mysterious Pink love, caring, acceptance Orange energy, vibrant, flamboyant Yellow joy, hope, friendship Blue peace, knowledge, loyalty Peach healing, optimism, stability Colors of a sunset

by Adison Becker

Happiness Happiness is colorful like a huge rainbow streaming through the clouds.

It tastes like a glamorous cinnamon bun with extra flavor.

It smells like the clean fresh smell of a new car.

It looks like a fresh start and a new beginning.

It sounds like listening to your favorite song through your headphones.

It feels like a second home.

by Darius Payne

Blooms Fluttering flowers Like butterflies in the wind Growing and dancing

By Clare Patchett

by Kevin Tone

64

Life is a T.V show.

A reality T.V show.

It has its twists and turns and unexpected events.

It has suspense, like waiting to get a puppy.

You are the main character.

With your family as the rest of your cast.

And best friends are understudies.

Everyone else in the world is the audience.

Your favorite song is your theme song.

Your naps are your commercial breaks.

You have happy moments and sad ones.

You go through unnecessary drama.

Your closet is your dressing room.

Your bed is your comfy couch.

And you are a star.

by Nylah Gonzalez

by Alex Spiteri A Fish in the Sea Best Ice Cream

I want to be someone Someone that everyone knows Not just a rando That no one notices I want to be a fish in the sea Who stands out And that’s rare to find But somehow I’m a fish in the sea That no one knows And that’s surrounded By everyone And who no one knows

It’s three o’clock W​e all know who is comin​g A​ll the kids waiting with their dollar​s T​he sounds of the truck rings through the tow​n It’s the ice cream truck rollin’ down each street he Tman is unusually jolly every da​y B​ut he’ll get angry if you don’t pa​y W​ith his big red nos​e W​ith his big yellow ti​e H​e has the best ice cream I can bu​y I​always get pin​k T​he best I can fin​d I​tastes like heave​n I​n my min​d

by Gavin White

by Keira Redmond

65

Two Sides of Every Bridge

There is always a river Under two sides of every bridge.

If only there was one end Of every bridge.

Though, if there was only one What would the bridge do?

There would be no purpose, Because there are always two sides to every bridge.

That if a bridge had three, No, four sides to it, Would it be a dif erent structure?

Of course!

Because there are only two sides to every bridge.

In the background, I hear the water whistle.

Splashing on every rock, Sidling down the river bank.

There are two sides of a river Under two sides of every bridge.

by Riya Dadheech My Dog Gigi The thing that I love best is my pet she is cute and funny but I don't like to take her to the vet I think you will find her sweet I bet although she did cost a lot of money she was the best one I could get I don't need another dog because I am set when she plays she hops like a bunny but sometimes when its rainy she gets all wet my dog is the best thing you’ve ever met she loves to eat treats but she also loves honey when you say “Gigi want a treat” she runs as fast as a jet catching up to her on our run makes me sweat when it's cold outside her nose gets all runny she is a dog you will never forget

by Maggie Bailey

by Jessie Sperling

66

The Closet of Many Memories

by Hugh Outwater One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is rummage through the big walk in closet in the mud room.

It’s full of memories and nostalgia and brings back happy thoughts and emotions that I thought got lost in the back of my mind. My grandmother always told me that every object told a story, and I completely agreed with her. I remembered what she said while I was staring at all of my old tennis rackets. I remember getting my first racket, and when I picked it up my mind drifted off into the past.

“Take your racket backwards! Remember, pretend as if you're petting a dog!” The ball came towards me. “Now brush up! Remember, sack over the shoulder!” I swung with all the force I had in my arms. “Wow! Incredible Hugh!” I tried to contain my smile but I couldn’t. I grinned from ear to ear and gave myself a little cheer.

“Hugh!” My mom called in a distressed voice as I snapped back into reality. “Where are you?”

“I’m in the closet, Mom!” I yelled back in a clearly annoyed voice. She didn’t respond after that, so I turned my gaze back towards the closet. I skipped over a few rackets, and picked up a very damaged one. The memory that this one triggered was much more bitter.

“Let’s go!” My opponent yelled. He had just gained the upper hand, and if he won this point, the three hour battle I just took part in would all be for nothing. I walked slowly to the line as my opponent paced back and forth, like he always did. He was adept at getting into people’s heads, and I was warned about this beforehand. Even though I had tried to prepare myself for his antics, I still wanted to scream at him to shut his mouth and serve. After what felt like a century, he took his place to serve. He struck a clean, well placed serve into the middle of the court, and I moved left to take it as my better stroke. I hit a good enough return, and he moved towards my shot, and yelled as he hit the ball. I started anticipating where his next shot was going, and then something happened. “CLICK!” Before I knew what was happening, the ball had hit the top of the net, and dropped over right next to it. I had lost. “Come on!

Let’s go! I knew I could do it, let's go!”

And that was the breaking point for me. I brought down my racket with enough force to break my foot, and when it hit the ground, it imploded on itself. I remember in that moment, I was wishing that I could be young again, where tennis was nothing but a fun hobby, and when I didn’t have to deal with people who excel at being infuriating. I put the racket back and shuddered. Sometimes I forget how significantly tennis can change my emotions. When taking a step back and looking at all of the rackets that I’ve collected over my life, I realized that they almost showed me growing up. From my happy, innocent moments, to my angry and sad outbursts. And the most interesting of all, is that I’m not even close to finished using rackets. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to tell my entire life story with tennis rackets.

by Jack Bailey

67

Via Vitae My life is a railroad.

I travel along it, never knowing where it leads.

I reach stations, the important moments in life.

Sometimes there is a fork in the tracks, but I don’t know where to go.

Sometimes, there is a switch signal, leading the way.

I always have my destination in mind, but I never know when I will reach the end of the line.

Those cars behind me?

They’re my memories and knowledge that I gained along the way.

The coal in the firebox, and the water in the boiler?

That’s what drives me, my ambitions and my inspiration.

It isn’t always good though, there’s times at night when it’s foggy and the light goes out, and I’m running in the dark.

Sometimes there’s a sharp turn in the tracks, where you have to slow down, no matter how much you want to keep going.

Sometimes there’s a steep stretch, that seems impossible to climb, but you have to keep going.

Sometimes there’s a break in the rails, but you have to fix it, with or without help.

It isn’t always good weather, there is the cold that seeps into your bones, and heat that bakes you alive, but you have to keep going.

There are times when you just break down, but you can’t just stop, you have to fix the problem and keep going, or you’ll become a rusted hulk, never to reach your destination.

One thing is always certain, you can’t go back, once you leave the start, you can’t go back to the beginning, you can only rest when you reach the end.

So, there is one rule to life: never stop.

by Ben Borofsky

by Samantha Brown

68